Sat, May 31 2008 - Gregory Bald - Advanced hikers only (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): John Weatherman, Pam Participants: Pam, John Weatherman, Liz W., Doug L, Chris L

Write Up:
We hit the trailhead a little later than expected, around 10:45. (Sorry to make you wait, Doug!)

Despite the hot, muggy weather, our group started out strong and fast. We enjoyed the sounds and sights of TwentyMile creek for the first mile or so, but once the elevation kicked in Doug and Liz left us in the dust! I was impressed at how fast and strong those two were! Chris, John and I took the climb up at a good but more leisurely pace and thank goodness at least some azaleas were in bloom. Gave us a good excuse to rest and take pictures! They were just starting to bloom and even at this stage in the season were so pretty to see! We saw multiple shades of pale yellow all the way up to deep, firey orange-red. I know this place will really be singing with color by mid-June. We also saw many other beautiful plants flowers including cranesbills, bluettes, ferns, Trilliums, and a number of "WishIknew" flowers (i.e., no clue what they're called but I really wish I knew!).

When we reached Parson's Bald after the arduous climb up, we could see why this area is as famous for bear sightings as it is azaleas. Both Parson's and Greory Bald were COVERED with big blueberry bushes! Definitely need to think about a revisit in August when the blueberries are ripe.

Up at the top of Gregory Bald, we finally stopped for lunch. We enjoyed eachother's company and the incredible 360 views of the Smokies and Cade's Cove below us, and the wind really kicked up! A nice reward after the hot and muggy hike up. A few of us had to actually put on jackets to keep from getting chilled!

The hike down we were able to make up time. Parts of it were pretty steep, and John led the way. My knees and hips have not forgiven me just yet; getting older sucks! We admired the cascades from a distance and decided that on the next visit we will enjoy them FIRST, then go and do the loop.

We completed the 15+ miles with about 5 hours of total hiking time, plus a little over an hour of stoppage time, as recorded by Chris's GPS... so yep, this hike was definitely the butt-kicker I had remembered!!!! I think we all managed to sleep pretty well last night--I know I did!

I thank everyone for participating-we had a small but excellent group of strong hikers and I can't wait to hike with you guys again real soon!

Stay tuned for some pictures plus the Google and elevation map (thanks Doug!) of our hike.

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